Throughout the course of history, civilizations have been at their strongest when there are many ways in which the people are unified. This has been the case with the United States as seen in the 1800's. The challenges of slavery and sectionalism were difficult to overcome, however, due to a unified nation fostered by nationalism, our nation was able to overcome these challenges. Different Factors including political, economical and cultural changes contributed to the strong sense of nationalism in the early 1800's. .
There were several key political events and decisions that contributed enormously to the U.S. gaining power and respect worldwide. Tensions with European nations lead to the Embargo Act and eventually the war of 1812. Although the Embargo Act hurt the U.S. economy rather than Britain's, it cause American industry to increase. This would allow for the nation to become more self sufficient and less dependent on other nations in the future. Also the War of 1812 brought about favorable results. By winning decisive naval battles the U.S. was able to fight Great Britain to a stalemate ending with the Treaty of Ghent. This made nations worldwide realize that America was becoming a powerful nation. With this new found respect, America was able to impose its power through methods such as the Monroe Doctrine. European nations, not wanting to engage in war with America, were forced to respect this new foreign policy of the U.S. Other political happenings unified the nation as well. The emergence of the Two Party system caused a greater participation in government and created a sort of balance. Also, supreme court decisions on controversial cases clarified the federal authority over the states. All of these political events were evidence to the people that they had a reliable government and were becoming a powerful nation. .
The economy had a vital role in unifying the nation. Henry Clay's American System, although largely disputed, turned out to be extremely effective.
